The holiday season is filled with several festivities and opportunities to see Jolly Ol’ Saint Nick as he makes the rounds at several local Christmas Parades.
Here are a few coming up in our area.
Dec. 8: Collegedale Christmas Parade
The City of Collegedale is bringing back a favorite local holiday tradition. On Sunday, Dec. 8th, the Collegedale Christmas Parade will thrill spectators of all ages with a multitude of decorative holiday floats, marching groups and bands, antique cars, and more.
The parade starts at 3 p.m. through the Southern Adventist University (SAU) campus.
“School marching bands, JROTC, dance groups, antique cars, first responders and more will be traveling the parade route,” said Christina Clark, Collegedale Parks and Recreation Supervisor.
Members of the Collegedale Police Department will start the parade, and the crowd favorites Santa and Mrs. Claus will end the parade accompanied by the Tri-Community Fire Department.
Food trucks will be available before and after the parade with choices of Mexican, coffee, Vegan, shaved ice, cotton candy and more. For more information on the Collegedale Christmas Parade, email parksandrec@collegedaletn.gov or call 423-468-1971.
Dec. 14: Red Bank Christmas Parade & Festival
The 2024 Christmas Parade & Festival will be held on Saturday Dec. 14th, from 3-8 p.m. with the parade starting at 6pm. The Festival will be held at the Red Bank City Park located at 3817 Redding Road.
The Christmas Market will feature 36 vendors selling goods, crafts, gifts, and more. Food trucks Culture-Licious, Jonny Poppers, Preachers BBQ, Chubby Vegan, American Pizza, Hooked on Minis, Clever Ale, and GoGyroGo – will be offering delicious items for sale. In addition to the eight food trucks, six food vendors will also be selling specialty food items such as cotton candy, tamales, coffee, & kettle corn.
The KidZone will feature nine vendors with activities that include White Oak Bicycle Co-op giving away 50 free bikes!. Read-20 mobile will be giving away free books. Children will be delighted with free face painting, balloon animals, arts & crafts, games, and Santa taking photos on stage. The Chattanooga Elf will also be around to pose for pictures and spread holiday cheer.
While the Christmas DJ Chi spins Christmas music during the event, those over 21 can take time to enjoy the Festival’s beer garden. After the Christmas parade ends, DJ Chi will lead a dance party in the street.